On Monday (January 26), Budweiser dropped its highly anticipated 2026 Super Bowl commercial. They released the ad early, two weeks before the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots will face off in Super Bowl LX on February 8.
Budweiser had been teasing its new commercial for several days leading up to its release. One teaser, titled âStable,â showed the Budweiser Clydesdales watching a mystery animal wiggle under a bucket. Budweiser asked the public to guess the creatureâs identity.
A second teaser, titled âFoal,â starred the youngest Clydesdale to ever be featured in one of Budweiserâs commercials. People were left wondering how the foal was connected to the mystery animal shown in the previous teaser.
The mystery creatureâs identity was finally revealed in the full-length commercial. Set to the tune of Lynyrd Skynyrdâs âFree Bird,â the ad shows the baby Clydesdale befriending an eaglet who canât fly.
Their friendship grows as the seasons change. The Clydesdale helps the eaglet learn how to fly, and neither creature gives up on the other, despite the challenges they face.
In an awe-inspiring moment near the end, the now-grown Clydesdale leaps over a fallen tree. A large set of wings spreads behind the magnificent animal as the sun beams down, making it look like a mythical Pegasus.
Then, we see the eaglet, now a fully grown bald eagle, emerge from the Clydesdaleâs back and take flight.
Titled âAmerican Icons,â Budweiserâs 2026 Super Bowl commercial was an instant hit. Many deemed it âanother classic,â calling it one of the best ads in the brandâs history.

Budweiser Executive Shares The Meaning Behind The Brandâs Latest Super Bowl Ad
The name âAmerican Iconsâ seems fitting for Budweiserâs 2026 Super Bowl commercial. The ad showcases two beloved American animals, a bald eagle and a Budweiser Clydesdale.
Plus, âFree Bird,â the song featured in the commercial, is one of Americaâs most iconic rock songs. Lynyrd Skynyrd, the band behind âFree Bird,â originated in Jacksonville, Florida.
The Americana theming was intentional on Budweiserâs part. The U.S. is celebrating its 250th anniversary this year (2026), and the brand wanted to play into it. Plus, Budweiser is celebrating a birthday of its own, as it turns 150 this year.
Todd Allen, the SVP of Marketing for Budweiser at Anheuser-Busch, told PEOPLE about the meaning behind the 2026 Super Bowl commercial.
âAs we celebrate Budweiserâs 150th anniversary and Americaâs 250th birthday, we knew we had to rise to the occasion in a way only Budweiser can,â Allen said. ââAmerican Iconsâ brings our heritage to life through powerful storytelling with the Budweiser Clydesdales and an American Bald Eagle. This yearâs spot will leave fans awestruck and proud to enjoy a Budweiser as they celebrate our shared milestone moments.â
You can now watch Budweiserâs new Super Bowl commercial in the video below.